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Eggnog French Toast Casserole

Eggnog French Toast Casserole - featured image
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This festive make-ahead casserole combines thick-cut bread, creamy eggnog custard, and a caramelized brown sugar topping for a comforting holiday breakfast. Easy to assemble the night before, it’s perfect for Christmas morning or cozy winter weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz thick-cut bread (brioche or challah, preferably slightly stale), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups eggnog (classic or dairy-free)
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • Zest from 1 orange (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups). If bread is fresh, let cubes sit out for 30 minutes to dry.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, cream cheese, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth (tiny cream cheese bits are okay).
  3. Grease an 8×11-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in the dish.
  4. Pour custard evenly over bread, gently pressing down so all pieces soak up the mixture. Let sit for at least 10 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
  5. Sprinkle in dried cranberries and/or orange zest if using.
  6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Sprinkle topping over casserole.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, until top is golden and center is set (knife inserted should come out mostly clean).
  8. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use slightly stale bread and let it soak in the custard overnight. If baking straight from the fridge, add 10 minutes to bake time. Cover with foil if browning too quickly. Customize with gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients, berries, apples, or chocolate chips. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog french toast casserole, holiday breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, Christmas brunch, easy casserole, festive breakfast, French toast bake

Find it online: https://avabake.com/eggnog-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-make-ahead-holiday-breakfast/